SORKEL SHEIKO

QAMISHLO_Between the mother’s memory, the pain of loss, and the will to continue, the short film “The Last Message” tells the story of a female fighter who finds in the memory of a dear one a motive to continue the path, in a cinematic work through which women’s cinema in Rojava seeks to honor the fighters of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ).

In a cinematic experience that combines memory, loss, and the will to live, women's cinema in Rojava presents its short film "The Last Message," which sheds light on the human aspect of the lives of (YPJ) fighters.

Two Stories and a Message

Silva Al-Ahmad, the director of the short film "The Last Message," explained that her first idea developed to turn into a cinematic screenplay, then into a short visual work carrying a special human vision. She reviewed the details of her first experience within the women's cinema project. "Every fighter in the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) has her own story and the challenges and difficulties she carries. Each of them also has a memory and a message from which they draw strength to continue the path. My idea was not centered on fighters who engage in battles and then are martyred, but I wanted to present a different story, shedding light on a fighter who continues her struggle journey, relying on a memory that gives her strength and motivation to continue."

She noted that the screenplay of the short film that was prepared and filmed is based on two stories and a pivotal message, noting that each story has its own dimension. "The first story consists of the insistence on continuing the path despite difficulties, while the second story addresses how to hold on to life and continue in it amid the atmosphere of war and conflict."

"Women's Cinema Works Like a Beehive to Present a Gift to YPJ"

Silva Al-Ahmad noted that the short film constitutes a message of gratitude and appreciation for the fighters of the Women's Protection Units, and a symbolic gift reflecting recognition of their sacrifices and continuous efforts over years in facing wars and battles.

Speaking about the experience of collective work, she said: "We faced many difficulties, but the pleasure of the experience was much greater. This is our first work accomplished together as a women's cinema team, and the cooperation and solidarity among women gave me a different feeling of comfort and harmony. I saw how everyone works with one spirit, and exerts their utmost effort to bring this short film out in the best possible image, exactly like a beehive whose efforts complement each other to accomplish its work."

"We Seek to Participate with Our Short Film in the Festival"

Silva Al-Ahmad revealed that the final preparations for the short film are nearing completion, noting that the work team is racing against time to complete the artistic stages and prepare the film for screening before the launch of the sixth edition of the Rojava International Film Festival.

She added: "The duration of the film (The Last Message) is seven minutes, and it is currently in the editing and color correction stage, and it is expected to become ready for screening soon. We are working hard to complete the film before the launch of the sixth edition of the Rojava International Film Festival, so that we can participate in it. The festival will witness the premiere of our short film."

"Embodying the Character of Nujiyan Left a Deep Impact on My Soul"

Sifda Hamo is undergoing her first experience in the world of acting through the short film, in which she plays a leading role, recalling her beginnings with this art. "I never imagined that I would be able to undergo the experience of acting in a cinematic work. After years I spent singing on stage, today I am undergoing my first experience in front of the camera. Nevertheless, I decided to perform the role assigned to me in the best possible way. After filming ended, I discovered that I possess a hidden talent I was not aware of."

About the impact that the character of Nujiyan left on her, Sifda Hamo spoke about the human and psychological dimensions of the character she embodied, saying: "Nujiyan was living a deep sadness inside her, as a result of her constant anxiety about her sick mother, but she did not show her feelings to those around her, and kept her pain deep inside her. In the end, she loses her mother, but she leaves her a memory that remains present in her life."

She continued: "Through this memory, Nujiyan regains her hope, and returns to the wool sweater that her mother was knitting for her in her last days, but she passed away before she could complete it. At that point, Nujiyan holds the wool and knitting needles, and continues what her mother started until she completes the sweater. Delving into these human details and embodying them in front of the camera was an exceptional and different experience for me, and I feel that its impact will remain with me in my life."

Sifda Hamo expressed her longing to see the short film on screen, expressing her future aspirations in the field of acting. "I aspire to become a professional and capable actress in the world of cinema, and to perform leading roles in films, whether at the level of Kurdistan or in the Middle East region."